Book Report

Book Report

Introduction

In the book 'The secrets of the Sphinx', author Zahi A. Hawass has discussed the Great Sphinx located in Giza, its intricate details and the mysteries behind it. This book was published in the year 2000 by the American University in Cairo Press.

Discussion

The Great Sphinx is considered as an integral work in the world of art as no other statue has had the ability to inspire people's imagination to such an extent, let it be the past or present. Besides that, this glorious monument is surrounded by myths and mysteries, which makes it significant in the Greek mythology. Moreover, the Sphinx is also considered as a great piece of art that can be studied in the context of engineering, and continues to be the main focus of people who have interest in science. The status has also been a subject of the writings of various poets (Hawass, pp. 19).

The book has explained the intricate details about the Great Sphinx very well. The statue was carved out of limestone and, has the face of a man, whereas its body resembles to that of a lion. The historical monument is about 66 feet high and 240 feet long, and is called a national symbol of Egypt, that has been of significance in the ancient and modern world. The statue is an important structure while considering art and thus has been the topic of writings by poets, scholars, and tourists for years. Many secrets are related to the statue and there has been speculation about its real age, missing nose, and meaning in Greek mythology.

The book explores the mystery surrounding the missing nose of the Sphinx. The only parts of the statue that were visible by the early nineteenth century were the neck, few parts from the back, and the enormous head ...